Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 37

──Saturday, September 30, 2028

Bundesliga Matchday 5

Augsburg vs *Hoffenheim (home)

Last season’s ranking: 14th

Last season’s match results

vs Hoffenheim: 1 win, 1 draw.

The stadium was silent.

I felt like the atmosphere in the town had changed a little since the loss in the previous match.

Before the match, Ren stepped onto the pitch.

The first thing I saw was a banner that read “Augsburg kämpft.” (Augsburg fights)

–And it was a silence at home that they hadn’t experienced in the last two seasons.

(…That corner of the core supporters who cheer us on so enthusiastically is quiet today.)

Silent protest.

That was the reality that the team faced.

Locker room.

The commander spoke in front of the board.

“The opponent will come at you with a middle block. Don’t rush or rush vertically.

First, let’s rotate it through Ren. If we can shake it up on the side, the center will open up.”

“The question is, can we do it?”

It was veteran midfielder Kemar who murmured modestly.

Ren only looked at him with his words.

He didn’t say anything, but he felt it.

The “subtle mismatch” in this team.

kick off.

10 minutes into the first half, Augsburg had possession of the ball and were passing it around carefully.

However, the play consisted of nothing but speedy and purposeless lateral passes.

There was nothing scary about the opponent.

“Center, empty!”

Ren makes a move to get inside, but

His teammate is unable to react immediately, and the ball drifts sideways again.

(It’s slow. The pauses are off by one.)

25 minutes into the first half.

Hoffenheim hit a short counterattack.

The goalkeeper makes a last-minute stop in a one-on-one situation.

Ren yelled.

“Pull the line back, fast! Faster!”

The only one who responded to that voice was Kemar.

Then, after 35 minutes, the spark finally appeared.

When Ren has the ball in the center, the opposing midfielder latches onto it.

Instinctively, he made a diagonal pass to the right side.

The young full-back ran up, trapped the ball, and crossed.

The forward slides in and scores a goal!

For the first time this season, a goal was scored as planned.

The stadium shakes.

A long-awaited cheer.

Feeling a little lonely, we exchanged high-fives.

Although they were unable to score any additional goals in the second half, they still won the game 1-0.

However, Ren’s heart was not at ease.

The atmosphere in the locker room was somewhat disjointed.

Those who rejoice. Those who are taken out of the starting lineup change without saying a word. Those who don’t follow instructions and are content as long as they win.

Kemar said next to Ren.

“Hey, Ren. Maybe you should make up your mind now.”

“I thought this team would come together if we won, but… maybe not.”

Ren nodded silently.

To change this team…

Maybe just winning isn’t enough.

The local newspaper reported the following day that “Ren’s dedication led to his first win of the season.”

However, after reading the article, Ren felt somewhat empty.

(Gears that don’t connect. They will not step in.

But still, I have to move this team forward.

Returning to the training ground alone, Ren placed the ball at his feet.

And without a word, he ran off.

Next time → Episode 38 “How to communicate”

He can no longer reach her with just his “back.” What kind of change will Ren try for the first time using “words”?

———

*TSG 1899 Hoffenheim

✨ In one word…

“A future-oriented lab-style club”

Although there is little tradition or enthusiasm,

A club that embodies a new style of football that becomes stronger through “tactics x development x data.”

🔵 Hoffenheim’s culture, atmosphere, and characteristics

① The extraordinary story of “From Komura to a big club”

-Hoffenheim was originally an amateur club in a small village with a population of less than 3,000.

-It grew rapidly with the support of Dietmar Hopp (a former player), and the founder of the software company SAP.

– In the 2000s, the club achieved a “miraculous promotion” from the fifth division to the first division, which was called “the Cinderella story of soccer.”

② Uniqueness as a “business support club”

– The club has grown rapidly with the support of SAP and Dietmar Hopp, and is also referred to as the “emerging model before Red Bull Leipzig.”

-Unlike traditional or citizen club-type organisations, the foundation is based on rationality, emphasis on data and investment in development.

– As a result, they are sometimes viewed somewhat critically by fans of traditional clubs (the so-called “plastic club” controversy).

3) A hybrid of high-tech and nurturing

-Operated based on three pillars: analysis, technology, and development.

・They place particular emphasis on developing young players, and have a style of scouting and training promising young players both from within Japan and overseas.

– The coaching methods also incorporate cutting-edge techniques that utilize data, making it a futuristic club.

4. Nagelsmann’s symbol of modernization

In 2016, Julian Nagelsmann, then 28 years old, became the youngest manager in history. He later became the manager of Bayern Munich.

-His modern tactics and management led the team to quickly reach the top of the Bundesliga and even qualify for the Champions League.

– He made an impact on the world as “Hoffenheim = a symbol of young intelligence.”

⑤ Fan culture is “local-based + new-entertainment”

– Although it is loved by the local people of Sinsheim, it has a calm atmosphere that is different from the traditional frenzy.

– The stadium is modern, comfortable and provides a great environment for spectators, making it popular with families and tourists.

However, the club is sometimes seen as a bit “cold” by those who value “tradition” and “down-to-earth.”

🏟 Rhein-Neckar-Arena

– Capacity: Approximately 30,000 people.

– A modernly designed stadium offering excellent comfort and visibility.

・Although small in scale, the facility is equipped with the latest facilities and is clean, making it a truly “modern soccer space.”

If you’re looking for passion or a down-to-earth attitude, this may not be enough for you, but it’s an irresistible club for those who are attracted to intelligence, efficiency, and sophisticated management!